Public health care is something that will always be a debate, and something that I was never interested in discussing. Just like other issues involving politics, I try to keep my opinion to myself because everyone sees these issues differently and there is no point in arguing over something that won't change anything. But after reading the text and having a discussion in class, I realized there is no fine line and that it is possible to agree and disagree with someone on a topic and learn from the differences.
Just as professor was saying in class that there is always a "But." I found that this is where I stood with my opinion. I believe that health care is a right, BUT as long as individuals do their part in society. Someone should not be handed something and not have to work for it at all. If you have a job or are looking for one or an education, then health care should be provided, but if the individual is jobless and has been jobless and is making no effort to find a job, then health care is certainly considered a privilage for those that make the effort to earn it.
In Helen Redmond's, "Access to Health Care is a Human Right," I found the part about how hard it is for the homeless to receive care to be truly hard to believe. I also think that help for the addicted is hard to come by because the amount of treatment days is cut in half. A certain amount of time is needed in order to help addicts fight their addiction no matter what the substance is.
Even though I agree with Redmond when it comes to health care is a human right, I also believe that there is some fine line that makes it a privilage. Peikoff makes a good point in his argument when he states, "..All legitimate rights have one thing in common: they are a right to action,not to rewards from other poeple." I do not believe someone should be handed something and not appreciate it or work for it. This is a very hard topic to put your finger on without that "BUT."
Emily, I don't think I could agree more with everything you said. Like you, I think that health care is a right UNLESS (I actually used a different word besides BUT) somebody does not work at all; then it becomes a privilege to those individuals
ReplyDeleteHi Emily
ReplyDeleteAnother excellent journal blog. Nice work incorporating the readings. Glad to hear you are struggling with the position. That is good. I think uncertainty is useful sometimes.
Emily, I completely argree with you! I do believe that Universal Health Care is necessary to have, as long as people are working towards having a job and other natural obligations such as that. Those that do not do anything to make their life better do not deserve to have that right.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I think you do a great job in stating both points and showing how both sides are possible. I also agreed with Peikoff when thinking that some people should not be handed things because it is not fair to others.
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